Lake Metroparks offers intimate camping for both adventurers and novices

Lake Metroparks’ Riverview Park campsite in Madison Township sits occupied by two tents and couple hammocks in this June 16 photo. The site, located at the end of Bailey Road, lies along the north bank of the Grand River and is accessible by foot or by padding from Harpersfield Covered Bridge about 8 1/2 miles upstream.
Jonathan Tressler — The News-Herald

Since 2013, outdoors enthusiasts have been able to pitch a tent at primitive campsites at a variety of Lake Metroparks locations.

Although popular with avid tent campers, many Lake County residents still aren’t aware of these options for an inexpensive staycation that is more intimate than the typical crowded campsite:

• Baker Road Park Campsite — Along the Grand River in Leroy Township, the campsite is designed to be a canoe-in, canoe-out site.

“For those who don’t want to canoe in, you can hike in from the parking lot as well,” said Karen Reis, head of registration for Lake Metroparks. “This is an extremely remote site and there are no restrooms on that site at all.”

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Baker Road Park consists of 76 acres. A perfect spot for birders, as more than 30 species have been seen at the park this year, including the uncommon blue-headed vireo and black-throated green warbler, according to the Metroparks website. Amenities include a waterfall, fishing and hiking trails that are home to the eastern chipmunk, white-tailed deer and spotted salamander, to name a few.

• Girdled Road Reservation Campsite — Located along the Buckeye Trial and Big Creek, the campsite is surrounded by more than 900 acres of the Girdled Road Reservation in Concord Township.

The creekside, backcountry campsite is ideal for training for long-distance backpacking. Parking is located about 1/3 of a mile from the campsite, and there are no restrooms, according to the website.

“The Girdled Road location is available year-round for those who enjoy winter camping,” said Reis.

• Hidden Lake Park —Those who set up camp at the 111-acre property in Leroy Township can enjoy a 1-mile loop trail, limited bicycling and a picnic area. A nine-acre pond and pier is available for catch and release fishing, and no fishing license is required.

• Lake Erie Bluffs Campsite — It is nestled in a secluded Perry Township spot on the edge of the bluff with a panoramic view of Lake Erie. There is a two-mile stretch of natural freshwater beach with rare beach plants and distant views of the Fairport Harbor lighthouse. Known for its world-class birding, the park district’s biologist once observed 90 bird species in two hours, as well as nine bald eagles at one time, the website states.

The campsite is a 0.25-mile westerly walk off the Shoreline Trail, accessed from the Lane Road parking lot. A restroom is accessible from the outside shelter just west of the parking lot. There is no water or electricity at this site.

“The Lake Erie Bluffs site is our most popular,” Reis said. “It’s right on the lake, it’s a beautiful view and it’s a popular park in general. Those camping sites are the first to go.”

• Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite — The small campsite is near the rim of the gorge in Kirtland.

The site is a short walk from the nearby designated parking space northwest of Penitentiary Glen Nature Center. The public flush restroom and a drinking fountain are located at the nature center about one mile from the site along the Rabbit Run Loop Trail. Although the nature center closes each day at 5 p.m., the exterior entrance to the restrooms remains open.

• River Road Park — Other campers may enjoy the Madison Township locale, where people can walk past a bluff with a view of the Grand River valley. There is a three-quarter mile, minimally-improved trial through a 10-acre section opened for limited access. The pond is stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish.

• Riverview Park Campsite — Also in Madison Township, this riverside site is accessible on foot or by canoe along the Grand River. Located at the end of Bailey Road, it is possible to either park a car 50 yards away from the campsite, or paddle 8.5 miles from Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark to this riverside location.

It is a perfect midway point for people wishing to paddle the 16-mile stretch of the Grand River from Harpersfield to Mason’s Landing Park. This site is only usable when the river level is below four feet. A restroom is available in Riverview Park, about a 0.25-mile hike up the road from the campsite, according to the Metroparks website.

The rental fee for Lake Metroparks tent camping is $10 a night for Lake County residents and $20 per night for those out of county.

There is a limit of three outstanding permits at one time. Most locations are available May through Nov. 30. River Road is available through Labor Day.

“Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular tent camping days,” Reis said. “Monday through Friday would be the best opportunity to reserve a site.”